Srinagar, May 20 (KMS): In occupied Kashmir, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Budgam has directed the police to submit a detailed report over the intimidation and harassment of an eyewitness to a custodial killing.

The eyewitness, Abdul Rehman Mir was picked up by the personnel of Special Task Force (STF) along with Ghulam Mohammad Butt, a carpet weaver, both residents of Khansahib in Budgam district on July 30, 2003.

An application by Abdul Rehman Mir submitted before the court of CJM reads that he was released and Ghulam Mohammad Butt was killed in custody and body was later handed over to his family. Testimony of eyewitness has already been heard and recorded by the then Additional Deputy Commissioner and SP Operations Humhama.

"For past few days Rehman Mir has been harassed by STF personnel, threatening of dire consequences if he would not withdraw his statement," Mir’s counsel, Advocate Hafizullah said.

A fearful Mir has now approached the court, which directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Police Station Khansahib to submit a detailed report in the matter along with the case file on or before May 22, 2008.

On intimidation of witnesses in the occupied territory, several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International have expressed their concern in past. Many human rights activists observed that harassment of witnesses tantamount to violation of rights, and in such circumstances, truth becomes a casualty.